MYCOLOGICAL PROFILE AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS SUSPECTED OF DERMATOPHYTOSIS AT BISIDIMO HOSPITAL, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Dermatophytosis is a common problem across the globe which is caused by a group of closely related fungi known as the dermatophytes that have the capacity to invade keratinized tissues. It is a common refractory infection deleteriously affecting the quality of life. Despite the common presence of dermatophytes on the human host, contemporary research around this area is limited. Objective: this study aimed to assess the magnitude of dermatophytosis and its associated factors among patients suspected of dermatophytosis at Bisidimo Hospital, east Ethiopia from March to October 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 289 patients who visit dermatology department of Bisidimo Hospital. Data were collected by reviewing patients’ chart and using structured quationary to assess the associated factors of dermatophytosi. Pateins chart were reviewed to assess chronic conditions. Skin, hair or nail samples were collected by Laboratory professionals and transported to Medical Microbiology Laboratory at Haramaya University Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences. Samples were inoculated in to Potato dextrose agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar and fungal isolates were identified morphologically and microscopically. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses with 95% confidence interval were carried out to identify factors associated with the development of dermatophytosis. Result: The over all magnitude of dermatophytosis was 28.4% (95% CI (23.2-32.2). Out of total 289 dermatophytosis suspected cases 49.1% were diagnosed clinically. Fungi were detected in 33.9% using potassium hydroxide wet mount. Males (AOR= 2.5; 95% CI 1.96, 4.80), patients in age group of 1-10 (AOR= 3.5; 95% CI 2.07, 5.57), hypertension patients (AOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.12-7.08), patients with previous family history of dermatophytosis (AOR= 2.0; 95% CI: 1.03, 5.14), and those having history of animal contact (AOR= 1.5; 95 % CI: 1.07, 4.57) had higher odds to be infected by dermatophytosis. Conclusions: The overall magnitude of dermatophytosis was 28.4%. Enhancing the control program by giving special focus to significantly identified factors and further study on molecular characterization and understanding the antifungal susceptibility pattern of fungi is recommended